Kampa Island

Kampa Island is located a few steps south of John Lennon’s wall. It is one of the most romantic areas of Prague. It is a small artificial island separated from Mala Strana by a narrow millstream to its west called the Devil’s Stream (Certovka), named after a woman of tempestuous character living here sometime in the distant past.

The millstream takes water from river Vltava and after almost 900 m it flows to Vltava River again. It was probably built in the 12th century by the Order of the Knights of Malta, who added a portion of land to the right and created an island. It was named Kampa by the Spanish soldiers who camped (campus) here during the Battle of White Mountain in the 17th century.

The first buildings on the island were mills, that were surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards. At present there are still two old mill wheels existent, one of them, completely restored, 8 meters tall. Besides the romantic atmosphere and the unique views of the Charles Bridge and eastern coast of Vltava, Kampa island is also visited for its modern art gallery. The Kampa Museum.

Museum Kampa has in its care several very important end extensive collections, which includes two icons of 20th century art Frantisek Kupka (pioneer and co-founder of the early phases of the abstract art movement 1871 – 1957) and Otto Gutfreund (famous worldwide Czech sculptor) and Central European modern art.

In addition the museum organizes a wide range of temporary exhibitions of both Czech and international artists. Among those who have been exhibited in the museum are Yoko Ono, Andy Warhol and Frank Malina to name a few.

Kampa Island is also the base of a historic steamboat that can take you on a river cruise along Vltava as well as other smaller boats that can take you on a romantic boat ride through the Devil’s stream.